Bar August

The main reason for the ranking is because of service. Bar is dark and cozy in the best way. Second room that looked cozy and comfortable. Cocktails were tasty but nothing amazing. Appetizers were also nice but the bartender that served us was cold to the point of being rude. Everyone can have a bad day so hoping she was just off but the service was so lacking that we only had one cocktail and appetizer and left. Will definitely eventually try again but unfortunately was very disappointed.

Great atmosphere, even better cocktail and wine selection. Bar August is easy to overlook on State street but well worth finding. The food was all incredibly fresh, with what appears to be a rotating menu. Serving sizes are on the smaller gourmet size, but still quite filling. We had the crostini, shakshuka and beet salad. The ricotta cherry crostini were particularly good. The desserts were both incredible and I highly recommend grabbing one!

My mom and I stumbled into August almost by mistake and I am SO GLAD we did. It is the most charming wine bar I’ve had the pleasure to go to. The selection is always delicious and Michelle is always there to welcome you, and help you choose and describe the wines. The service is incredible- everyone working there wants to be there and wants you to enjoy whatever you are drinking and/or eating. They serve light food like charcuterie & cheese boards, shishito peppers and pâté, but everything is so delicious. I go here every time a friend comes to town because there is no better place to take them in New Haven for a cozy night out for wine and cheese.

Bar August is the place for the best cocktails in New Haven. The genius behind the bar is Katye, an expert mixologist who is always innovating with her drink menu. The wine selection is also very diverse and pairs perfectly with the small but excellent food menu, which includes dishes like tuna and cheese. Definitely a gem in New Haven! Good service, clean toilet, great atmosphere.

It’s the most “authentic” wine bar in New Haven. Carefully furnished and decorated in Euro-Anglo whimsical fashion, with a menu that’s long on quality and focus. My friend and I went in for a glass and a snack, and ended up ordering 4 different dishes over 2 hours.

The quintessential Tiny Bar, August is a New Haven best-kept-secret. With a max capacity of probably no more than 20 people, arrive early to ensure a seat - and make sure to order from their charcuterie menu, it's fun to watch it assembled right at the bar.

Great atmosphere, cocktails were some of the best I’ve had in New Haven - balanced and unique. The service was very attentive and friendly. I got the pate with toast and pickles and they even offered to replenish the toast when we had gone through it!

Really nice neighborhood cocktail bar! It's niceky decorated and a great atmosphere. Despite a full house, it was surprisingly quiet, so I had no trouble talking to the friends I came with. Had a special gin cocktail. Delicious!

This is one of the top three bars in New Haven. The owner takes pride in sourcing the most interesting and delicious wines. The ambience is mystical, intimate and charming, all at the same time and the music selection is always on point. Additionally, take a look at their menu as they have tons of tasty offerings on small plates. This is a must try!

Apologies for the blurry picture! I got a cocktail called "swamp something"- it had cucumber gin and peanuts. What an odd but magical combination! I've never had anything like it before and I'm worse for it. This is a perfect neighborhood bar. The bar was decorated for Halloween, and the staff were wearing the coolest masks. Service was attentive and thoughtful. My friends enjoyed their wine and the mushroom carpaccio, salami, cheese and olives. What a gem!

Amazing ambiance! Though can get busy, which just shows how popular it is. Love the drinks there.

I found this little hole in the wall via Yelp. It's kind of hidden around the corner but I was greeted by a very nice hostess outside the door. By myself, I sat at the bar and was greeted right away by the bartender. I tried a Rose and a Red wine, both delicious. She let me order the charcuterie board half size and everything tasted so good together. From the cheese to the meats and the pickles- yum! The atmosphere gives off as a quiet yet classy speakeasy vibe. Bartenders were great with conversation and service. I would definitely recommend!

This is a perfect neighborhood wine bar, with really nice small plates, beautifully presented. The beet salad is like a work of art (but delicious too). The radishes with butter are amazing, with some kind of local butter. And the sardines!

On a rainy & gloomy Thursday afternoon, this seemed like a great place to check out. For my first visit, I enjoyed my experience. The drinks were delicious. I thought my small plate was good. Aesthetically pleasing Wine bar. Must go back to try their entrees.

Sadly not open more often but good vibes all around! Loved catching up with my friends over candlelight and drinking wine. We didn't get any of the snacks but the Brie on the table next to us looked scrumptious. Service was good as well! Great for a date or for a relaxing evening.

We arrived at 5:00 and were the first and only customer's. I guess they were still setting up because service was SLOOWWW. We finally were approached by the bartender ( we weren't in her area) who obviously didn't want to serve us. Any questions were met with a slight attitude and our drinks took a long time especially our second glasses of wine with our food. The food was good but the service really took away from the entire experience.

Vibes immaculate. Mixed drinks absolutely stellar- quite easily the best in the state. Wines by the glass also absofreakinlutely perfect selections. Food was also absolutely excellent. Music second to none. Love love love can't wait to come back.

Bar August is such a lovely, quaint cocktail/wine bar in the East Rock neighborhood of New Haven, CT. It reminds me of cafes/restaurants found throughout legendary cities such as New York or Paris. It's very cozy. They have a great assortment of desserts and bar snacks. There is also a full dining menu, however I haven't tried it. The cocktails are divine. They're carefully concocted with seasonal variation and ingredients. It's always fun to swing by with a new season and see what's been dreamt up. All in all, an excellent place to swing by on a Friday or Saturday evening for a cocktail and good time.

Was a nice business indoor out door seating ! Wine bar food menu changes frequently!! We had oysters from Stamford and Massachusetts. This bar was a bit to trying to be hi end with the options on the menu !! This place I'm sorry didn't fancy me , but the wine I had was delightful as well as the delicious pot de creme !!

What a cozy and romantic spot. I've been looking for a place like this! The space is very small, so it took a few attempts to get a spot over my time in New Haven. But on this particular late February night, we immediately got seated by the window, which is a lovely spot for couples to perch. The wine list is large but not overwhelming. The wines are pretty unique. I wouldn't call myself an expert in wine, but I am more than novice, and even so, I didn't recognize the majority of wine types on the glass list. The menu is certainly designed in order to have a conversation with the bartender/waitress. We enjoyed our wines, which we likely would not have been able to pick out ourselves. The short food menu looked enticing. I hope to check it out next time.

An upscale version of Cave A Vin. Fit and finish is stellar. The food was spot on and the type of crowd it draws is more refined. The menu is very sophisticated to a point overreaching but I don't mind it. Skip Cave A Vin and you will thank me later.

Great cocktails that are inventive and unique. Loses points for its food, I wasn't particularly impressed and it was fairly pricy. Would love to see the cocktail menu expanded for more options.

Let me say that I have loved this place. It has a wonderfully cozy atmosphere. The drinks are also typically good. BUT, the last two visits we were served by a bartender who would clearly rather be anywhere but there. When sitting at the bar....the bartender makes a difference and made the last two visits disappointing.

All the food we tried (devilish eggs, beet salad, and something with pork my friend got) was delightful. The ambiance was reminiscent of the 1920s and would definitely fall under the category romantic, but the table we ended up at was small with fairly uncomfortable stools, so the way the place is situated could be improved. The whole place is tiny, with all food cooked behind the bar, so when the place is packed like it was on the night when we went, food takes its tiiiiiiiiiiime coming out hardcore. By the time we had waited and waited for we thought would be our final dish, they told us they had actually run out. They were apologetic and gave us another glass of sparkling rose for our troubles, but it was still less than ideal that that had happened at all. Come early in the evening, looking for delicious food and drink and romance (not speed or incredible comfort), and you won't be disappointed!

Very nice bar. Very expensive. $15 beers. BUT strangely, I'll be back. Liked the simplicity and elegance of the menu. Will be interested in seeing how they can keep me as a customer. I live in the neighborhood and am strongly supportive of businesses such as Bar August. Best wishes!

3.5 stars for over all experience . Hubby and I came as an adventurous thing. We were driving by and saw the cute outdoor seating and didnt see a name tag for the place so we figured we'll give it a shot! And let it surprise us. While waiting the server gave us a glass of champagne because we were waiting longer than anticipated. I thought this was a very nice gesture! But as far as attention goes ... service is very slow. It took quite a while before our food and beverage order was taken. And a major lack of attentive check ins. We never really saw our server other than the first time of dropping off the bottle of wine, and then the times she brought the food out. Hubby was never able to ask for another glass of water. Maybe the problem was because we sat at the very last table towards the street corner so.. we were forgotten? Food: The beef dumplings were honestly nothing special. I could've made it. Yes, it was good. But it wasnt as spectacular as they made it sound with the description on the menu. the apple slaw was just that. Slices of apples and probably sesame oil and vinegar dressing. The dumpling tasted like store bought, boiled and then fried on the bottom. The roasted pecans were good. Different. This.. was the highlight, interestingly enough. I do recommend this. The charcutie board was good. Manchego, blue cheese, and I forgot the 3rd one, but it was soft and creamy. Came with 2 types of meat- one slightly spicy and one like a traditional salami. There was Some of that pecans i mentioned and dried fruit. And also Bread slices and crackers. Would I come back here?maybe for a glass of wine and maybe the charcutie board. Other than that .... I'd probably prefer a different wine bar.

Small and intimate. August offers a dimly lit and cozy atmosphere. There is vast wine selection and small plates to compliment your choice of beverage. The charcuterie plates are delicious. fresh fruit, numerous cheese options, and cured meats. Ask your server for a recommendation based on your wine. The service is great and the servers are very helpful. My SO and I also ordered the deviled eggs which came highly recommended and they were great. A great place for romantic evening.

I completely agree with another Yelper's comment that August is a place looking so cool outside but feels so warm and welcoming once you step in. The owner (i believe) and his helper both have a quite lay-back styles of communicating with the patrons. We sat at the bar but did not feel any forcing during the whole meal. FOOD IS FANTASTIC!!! Everything was prepared behind bar and fresh and smoking! The crostini with pistacchio paste was new and enlightening to me. My favorite was the deviled eggs (1.5 eggs) with Sriracha sources and others, creamy, flavorful, full of surprise in a bite. Drink CAVA is strong, I think I went light-headed halfway through.

Been wanting to come here for quite some time. Love this place! It's very tiny, but I think that adds to the intimate atmosphere. Excellent wine, had some truffle cheese which was out of this world! Samantha behind the bar couldn't have been more of a gracious and perfectly poised host! Loved all the beautiful white roses sprinkled throughout the place and the bathroom even had a fully stocked vintage medicine cabinet. Looking forward to my next trip here!

I don't get what all the hype is about, its pretty enough, its small and cozy, and a place to go in groups of 2, the staff is very friendly and kind. But once you get a hankering for something to accompany your glass of wine it just falls short, other than the pork schnitzel there isn't a whole lot on the menu to eat or munch on, and if there is a world where "tinned" fish and sardines are classy bar food, i just can't really imagine. Anyway, the best i can say is that it really isn't for me.

August is a real hidden gem! Tucked away on a quiet side street, this is a great place to grab a glass of wine and a charcuterie plate. They've created a quiet, intimate ambience perfect for a romantic date night. Our bartender made a great wine recommendation and was extremely knowledgeable & helpful in picking out our charcuterie plate. We missed out on their Devilish Eggs because we got there late on a Saturday night and they were out (totally understandable at a small restaurant like this). We'll just have to make a second trip - and I'm perfectly ok with that!

What a true gem. if you walk by you would never know that this little place is wonderful. It is quaint and and simple but yet when you walk in it feels comfortable. If you have a large group you should find another place to go because it seems dedicated to small atmosphere and actually letting people enjoy their wine and appetizers.

As I was sitting at the bar with beautiful company I couldn't help but feel as if I was sitting in my home relaxing with a nice glass of Sauvignon Blanc. August wine bar had a warm cozy feel to it. The owner and his wife were behind the bar just as relaxed as everyone in the place. This is a wonderful place to go to for a first date or a twenty first date. We got the Deviled Eggs, olives and a cheese plate. If you like the taste of mustard the olives will be delicious. The eggs were eggcelent and the owner picked the perfect cheese. If you are looking for someplace to sit close to someone you love (or potentially love)enjoy a glass of wine and good company this is the perfect place to go.

Hands down best wine bar I've ever been to. This place was a diamond in the rough once upon a time which - I don't know - makes it all that more remarkable?!? Owners Michelle and Andrew gutted the place, revealing the brick, adding a gorgeous bar and created a "home". They are not only the most unpretentious (they own a wine bar - hellooo!) and nicest couple, but they also have exquisite taste. From the decor, playlist and thoughtfully placed seating (it's tiny, but oh so cozy) to the .... wine. Oh my, the wine. My husband was so jealous when I went recently for a second time without him. Thing is, you can go here on a date, with a group or solo. You can't go wrong. And I hear their new Champagne inspired place next door is buzzing. Can't wait to try that one out!

Beautiful, small bar. Great food to go with nice wine. Would be ideal for a first date.

I love it here! It's a cozy new spot right off state st. with a short menu of sandwiches, apps, meats and cheeses. The decor is fun and the owners are always welcoming. Bottles and wine by the glass are delicious and reasonably priced. This is the perfect spot for people watching in East Rock.

Decided to stop here for the first time New Years (early) Eve(ning) after seeing pictures of cheese plates by candle light and oysters plated on China seep through Instagram the past few months. Real life did not disappoint. Everything about this place is in the details -- August is tiny (12 seats at a dark hardwood bar) but that condensed space serves an immediate foreshadowing of the incredibly personal touch to everything there. A giant, wooden wine display, little bouquets of roses in glass jars, three different wine glasses for reds depending on depth and color..every single thing feels deliberate and hand chosen, food included. The menu is brief, but confident. It's crafted for wine pairings -- cheese and meat plates, an east and west coast oyster selection, some lovely deviled eggs, pickles, olives, a little caviar, and a salad or two. I had a cheese and meat board and drinks, my highlights included a truffled cow cheese and my boyfriend's wine, a ruché. Would absolutely come back for oysters, the deviled eggs, and to try wines I haven't heard of. Easy 5/5.

Easiest 5 stars ever. Wife and I were in the mood to try something new and we were not disappointed. We walked in and it's a very simple, casual and cozy environment. It is a wine bar so don't expect cocktails or a large beer selection although they have a few. The wines we had were delicious. The menu is simple yet delicious. We had a meat & cheese board and it was some of the best we have ever had. I can only assume the duo behind the bar were the owners. They were welcoming, friendly and took the time to explain the various meats and cheeses. We may have been early but after a few moments, the place filled up fast. So if you are in the mood for delicious wine, meats & cheeses and a friendly, comfortable environment, then this is the place to go. I highly recommend August and hope to visit again very soon. Very happy customer!

Such a cute place to grab a drink! The wine list is excellent and the service is wonderful. An absolute gem, cannot recommend enough.

This place was such a cute spot for date night. Really intimate (and also really dark) with a few seats along the bar and at the window. I can't decide which was my favorite dish as they were all delicious! I ordered the salad, escargot, and the Shepard's pie. Despite not having the traditional "kitchen," the food was tasty and came out right on time. As expected from a wine bar, they have lots to choose from. I really liked my chenin blanc and garnacha !

Visited town just to get some pizza my girlfriends on the spot. We walked in just around opening and the space was perfectly cozy, some seats by the window and the bar. Great wine selections by the glass as well as a cheeses and meats to pair. The menu has other highlight too if you don't want charcuterie. The owner is super friendly and provides top notch service. If your visiting, passing by, living in town or considering to visit this place is a must!

August is great for a glass of wine and a small plate, but incorrectly listed on Yelp as a dinner option. The lighting is dim and the close quarters create a cozy atmosphere. Perfect for unwinding after work or dropping in for a nightcap.

August is an awesome place to meet a few friends for a quiet glass of wine and some excellent snacks. Tucked around the corner from some of the rowdier State Street bars, August has a well-curated wine list with a small but varied menu of food made fresh and right in front of you. It's one of the coziest bars that I've ever been to. I'd love to see them expand - not because I'd want to change the vibe or the size of the restaurant, but because I'd love to see what they could do with a full kitchen for dinner!

After a cold walk we were greeted by this cozy bar. A true jewel amid the zirconia, it's rare and almost vintage looking like it belonged in Paris during the Impressionism Era but able to feel at home in New Haven. You can't help but feel whimsical walking up to the door, all worries, fears, and nerves left outside. Once inside you don't notice that there are no open seats because you are so absorbed and distracted by it's charm. It's has a simple and rustic look but everything looks like it was meticulously set in place. We waited for about 5 minutes in the back corner for seats at the bar. This was a Saturday night so the wait wasn't bad at all. Once seated, we were suddenly ready to indulge in good wine and food. The Vina Alberdi tempranillo with it's full body and silky mouthfeel was delicious and a great addition to the charcuterie and fresh oysters. We were raving about the red dragon cheese in the charcuterie during the walk back. It is delightful and the mustard seeds give it a smoky flavor, pairing well with the fennel salami. Not yet wanting us to leave, the owners brought out salted caramel pudding for dessert. It was buttery and rich topped with fluffy whipped cream and shaved chocolate. And, on the house! As if the night couldn't get any better. You'll leave feeling enchanted and magical, but that could be the wine too.

This place is very cute -- great ambiance! The wine selection is small, but tasty! We also enjoyed the small plates! Good place for meeting an old friend, a significant other, etc. But maybe not the best place for groups as seating is limited.

Obsessed with the tinned fish. Personal favorites are the mackerel and the mussels. August is owned by a hard working and passionate couple who are extremely knowledgeable about the wine and food they serve. I've learned so much about wine just by going there and chatting with Michelle, she is wonderful! Would highly highly recommend this place to anyone in New Haven. Ps. The deviled eggs are also a must!

Small, intimate neighborhood wine bar with an upscale feel. Kind of has a West Village/Williamsburg vibe to it, for lack of a better description. The space is fantastic and they really did a great job creating a stylish space. Wine and beer selections are interesting, and the small plates we tried were all very good. Strike up a conversation with the great owners, and relax. Great addition to the Upper State Street neighborhood.

An absolutely wonderful spot! August is approaching its first year in New Haven, but I am ashamed to say I've only known about it for a little over two weeks. And yet, I have been twice! Owners Michelle and Andrew clearly had a vision when they designed this bar and have pulled it off very well: Intimacy. Romance. Warmth. Class. August is tiny, so don't show up with your whole posse and expect to be seated comfortably - but it is perfect for a first date or a hundredth date. The wine list is split into by the glass or by the bottle, but the selection on both is excellent. The quality is well-above many other New Haven locations and I must day, I want not let down by the size of the pour on either visit! I cannot get over the It has immediately found a place on my go-to list of area bars and I know I will be back soon and often.

Thank you Yelp for sending me to this little hole in the wall in East Rock. I could have (and probably have) driven by this spot a million times and never noticed it was there. But when my husband and I got the chance to sneak out for a couple of hours child free and I searched for bars in New Haven, there it was, beckoning me. We dropped in and snagged seats at the cozy bar. The hipster vibe is strong with this place, but it works for them. Our waitress/bartender was helpful with suggestions and we soon had some tasty vino in hand while we watched the owners (presumably) bustling about and prepping food behind the bar. We enjoyed an excellent cheese plate including a fennel salami and some kind of truffle-y cheese (clearly I'm not expert - but I know what I like!). The spread included a hearty serving of fresh cut baguette, apricot spread, honeyed apples, candied walnuts and prunes. August was a lovely spot to enjoy a glass of wine and a light bite. Whether it's a destination for a snack or the starting-off point for your evening, it is definitely worth checking out.

This is the best wine bar in New Haven! They have a great selection of wine, as well as tasty cheese and charcuterie selections. If you have not been there yet.....GO NOW!

Who doesn't love a small intimate wine cafe hidden in East Rock? WIth gorgeous decor (one table is actually an old radio), fabulous ambience and a great atmosphere, there is so much to love. I went with a group of girls for a little GNO and had a great time. It is noisy, but not overly noisy you cannot have conversation. We had a fabulous bartender who did a great job at recommending us wine and food options. But overall the entire staff from the girl greeting at the front to all the bartenders are very friendly. This is meant to be more of a wine pairing place, so if you are looking for a hearty meal this may not be the place for you. However, they do have a fabulous cheese selection. I highly recommend the truffle cheese. To die for. One of the best touches of this entire evening? Our receipt given to us in a book (it was Hamlet no less). I died and went to literary heaven. You will not regret going here!

Best place in New Haven - fantastic charcuterie, excellent wine selection, great personal service and very cool vibe/ambience. It's like having a quiet night of wine and snacks at home except you suddenly live in a much nicer/cooler place and have drastically better taste in wine and, well, everything. Stop reading this and get some wine!

3 of us stopped in here last night - admittedly our second attempt at wine after Cave a Vin was completely full. That's our usual wine bar. We hadn't been to August yet so we figured we'd try it out instead. The place is very tiny, though cozy. We sat at the windowsill. I don't have a lot to say since we just had wine. Wine was fine, atmosphere was dark and calm but the wine was a bit on the expensive side. A wine I get at Cave a Vin that runs about $8-9 a glass was like $13 here. Due to that, I'm not sure I'd come back here over going to Cave a Vin in the future.

Wine. Oysters. Charcuterie. Intimacy. Romance. Atmosphere. Excellent *little* spot. Wonderful owners. Fabulous selection of wine. Delicious cheese; oh the cheese. Primo date night. Beautiful decor. Intimate atmosphere. Glorious bathroom. Well done, well done.

Five stars. The food was tasty and savory... Wine was rich and refreshing, and the people were sweet and helpful not rude in any form. I am here in CT for business and just ran into this place by accident but since have gone two nights in a row! Limited bar seating, but this is the place for an intimate setting with so much charm.

My wife & I went here this past Friday night. I've got to tell you what a wonderful little place it is. The wine list is well thought out, and pairs well with the wine list. I give 5 stars to the food, wine; the staff. Everyone there was attentive, knowledgeable, and so friendly. The food was just fantastic. For example, my wife gave high praises for the deviled eggs; she doesn't even like deviled eggs. August is a real gem. It's small, hard to find; oh so wonderful when you do.

I can't recommend August enough. The staff, the food, the wine, the ambiance, you name it - absolutely everything is perfect. Great for a date night, catching up with a friend, or solo finally getting to that book you've been putting off. Nothing has disappointed here. It has become a favorite place for me.

This is a rustic and cozy little place. I went for drinks, and they have a nice wine list. The service was incredibly friendly and attentive. The menu looked amazing. I'm looking forward to returning for dinner!